That Was the Month that Was

The theme of January: Snow and cold

Finally, after what seems like a year and half, the longest month in just about forever, has ended. A big cheer and I toast all of you with a cup of hot cocoa and as many marshmallows as you'd like for your cocoa. But blessedly, January 2026 is in the rear view window and the days are getting longer. Sadly, they're not getting warmer in New York City, but I don't have a lot scheduled for the weekend and I'm going to watch many hours of the winter Olympics coverage and yes, drink hot cocoa. 

I had three projects for last month and I've done okay with all three. The first was keeping my spirits up. It wasn't easy and there were hours/days when I did not do well, but somehow managed to make it through. I was helped by a special event I attended. It was a concert at Lincoln Center, with the fabulous actor/singer, Kelli O'Hara. I'd seen her in South Pacific, Pajama Game and Brigadoon and was so excited to see her in concert. I love concerts but don't go to very many these days. I'm overwhelmed by stadium venues and I'm overwhelmed by the price of tickets. But this concert was both relatively affordable and in a small theater venue. It did not disappoint. Kelli O'Hara was so engaging and so talented, and the memory of the evening warms me up just thinking about it. 

My second project was my walking. It was a tough month to get in steps and a push to get myself out and walking. But I set a goal of 75 miles and finished the month with 77+ miles, which I'm calling a win. There were a couple of days with barely a mile, and a few days with 4+ miles. One of them was my visit to the Travel and Adventure Show, which gave me some great travel ideas. Some are far away and some a lot closer and more possible. Nothing planned yet, but I'm enjoying thinking about possibilities. 

  Our new friend, Willie the Penguin

My third project was the annual No Spending January. I am proud to report that my only purchase was Willie the Penguin, who I rescued on the last day of the holiday decor sale at Paper Source. I had seen him in December and figured if he was still in the store in January, he was meant to come home with me. He wasn't at the store nearest to me, but the staff located him at another branch in the neighborhood. Willie is a little worse for wear, but with this cheery scarf and the company of the Buttercupland Crew he has settled in nicely. Willie cost $12.57, but in truth he is priceless. 

I'm thinking of doing a No Spending February. I have bought Valentines, which I consider a necessity, but no other "things." I found myself intrigued by cute pajamas in a store window this morning and had to restrain myself from going into the store. I take that as a sign that I could buy things I don't need very easily. I also had a recurrence of the dishwasher disaster and I'm contemplating replacing my dishwasher. But in the No Spending spirit, I am going to hold off and think about whether I truly need a new dishwasher and if I think that I do, I'm going to be on the lookout for a sale. Did anyone else do a No Spending month, and if so, did it work for you? 

My projects for February are watching the Olympics, No Spending February, 75+ miles of walking and a trip to South Carolina at the end of the month. I know it won't be beach weather, but it may be sixty degrees and I'll take it. That sounds like bliss to me. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy, friends.